ISSUE #702: March 18-24, 2018

Obviously I Made a Wrong Turn... but Found an Oasis -Maybe

Brian Timmons

Dear friends,

When I started Residencias Los Jardines, I started writing a weekly newsletter -determined to tell all the good, bad, and the ugly. I knew some readers would be interested in the construction process. I expected others might be interested in the lifestyle of two people who had decided to live outside the box. For others, the adventures of Lita, the parrot and the cat took on an entertainment saga all its own.

Residencias Los Jardines is finished. We periodically have re-sales and rental availability. Some readers may be interested in this information.

Each of the units consists of two bedrooms / two bathrooms, and a large living/dining/kitchen area. The floor plan of each of these units has eliminated the optional "den / office" divider. The result is a larger area offering more flexible furniture arrangements while still maintaining the option of including an office area. At 105m2 plus two parking spots each and storage locker, they offer a great opportunity for someone seeking views, security, central location, and first class, all round living...

This is a fully furnished 2-bedroom unit situated in a 2-story building, which has two units on the ground floor and two units on the 2nd. floor. Each unit is the same size (1,250sf) divided into 800 sf of interior space and 450 sf of covered front and back terraces. Units 106A and B are on the ground floor; Units 106 C and D are on the 2nd. Floor. The solid masonry demising wall (common wall) as well as the 5" concrete slab prevent sound transference.

This 2 bedroom/2bathroom,1,290 sf single floor end unit home includes a 150 sf front terrace plus parking for one car. This house is fully air conditioned and has recently been professionally decorated by international decorator Alcides Graffe and has undergone a complete renovation—new modern furniture, finishings, window coverings, and art work by Carlos Gambino. It is arguably the nicest furnished unit at Residencias Los Jardines and only steps from the pool

This 2nd story, 1,227 sf (113 m2 + one parking space) )is a georgous home with one of the best views at Los Jardines. The very large front covered terrace faces west and is suitable for entertaining; the off-bedroom covered terrace faces east for sun sets. This very tastefully furnished and fully equipped home offers a lifestyle envied by many. The owner offers financing if desired.

This 1,290 sf single floor home includes a 300 sf front terrace plus parking for one car. It is attached on one side by a 6 inch cement demising (common) wall, which prevents sound transfer. The three other sides allow light, ventilation and garden views.

This 1,290 sf single floor home includes a 300 sf front terrace plus parking for one car and a separate, secure storage locker. It is and end unit and therefore attached on only one side by a 6 inch cement demising (common) wall, which prevents sound transfer.

Delinquent Tenant: The second in two months. This time, some wonton damage was done... nasty, nasty guy... I've been fortunate over the years not to have had many but the few times I have, always leaves a bad, bad taste in my mouth... I am in the process of cleaning the pig pen, repairing the damage and replacing the broken / missing items. The good thing is he is gone. We will live on and I have to believe he will get his comeuppetence sometime, some where, by someone. Wish I could be there when it happens but I'll move on.

Tenant 2: Young girl from Mexico working for an international company. Signed a 12 mo lease. She now wants to break it because she misses her mommy and family. She wants her security deposit back. Sorry, it is not happening. She can't understand why and chooses not to understand the very simple applicable clause in the contract... wow!!!

District 4: My mistake may become an oasis... wow... My marketing efforts attracted a number of interested parties. I have one offer which I have agreed to... it could work for me if it happens... an "Option to Purchase"... there is risk in it... being that with a small at risk amount, I stand still for 3 mo. while the client does their due diligence. If they go ahead, then the deal works really, really well for me and I'll be a happy camper... If the client does not go ahead, I have wasted three months for a bit of cash... The deal is suppose to be signed after Semana Santa... around April 2 or so.

Foreclosure: Heredia 4 bedroom, two car, detached house. Not my dream home but I have had nightmares about it... I am in the process of fixing it up... mechanical, electrical, cabinetry were fixed this past week. Now some iron work, yard work and interior patching / painting it starting. Re. painting, I got three quotes... first two I felt were way too high... the last one came in at what I felt was right... He did work for me before in a similar situation... Tres Rios. It is too early to tell how this house / project is going to turn out... it could be another oasis... but that would be too much to hope for...

Los Jardines: All quite / maintenance is on-going and it is easier and easier to see the results. Yes, there is a substantial ways to go but for those to look and who care, there must be a feeling of satisfaction. Certainly for me it is...

Family Visitors: We managed to get two nights / three days at the beach. I guess it worked for them because after eight years, he proposed to her.... and we had a chance to catch up with our friends. They muled the mail and coffee back to Canada... I got my taxes and bills paid and the coffee will be distributed or horded as the case will be...

Other Winter Displaced Visitors: They arrive tomorrow for one night and a catch up... will leave on Monday to Montreal... and the Santa Fe has performed flawlessly!!!!! now I need to sell that... someone will get a great car... at my foolish expense... life is like that some times...

Europe: Crete in September seems to be coming together... friends are pulling the sled on this... I'm the cheerleader... a 4 bedroom luxury villa from Sept. 1-29. Lita and I are likely to commit for the month... others for two week stints... we don't have all the bedrooms filled all this time but have substantial commitments that we feel comfortable in being able to fill in the remainder... This is something I've wanted to do for a number of years. Why Crete? it was there... no other reason... We could have chosen any number of other places... and perhaps will next year... if we are still talking with each other... getting there will soon become the next big issue.

Dental Work: I am done!!! Lita has a ways yet to go but the worst is behind her for sure. Her work starts up again after Semana Santa.

Wine Club: It was held at a horse stables... in the middle of no where... an interesting change and a good escape from repairing houses and dealing with...??? (fill in the blank) ... tenants...

News Items of the Week

Comments:

I haven't the slightest idea what is happening around my own chaos. This next week is Semana Santa -CR is at the beach... no one cares... the Elections are April 1 -an appropriate date for the event... actually the same date 18 years ago I purchased what is now Los Jardines... albeit very different at that point in time... but an 18 year adventure I never expected with more stories than possible to recount...